Overview:

: St. Bavo's Abbey in Ghent, Belgium is a Benedictine abbey that was founded in the 11th century. Today it is owned by the Catholic Church and serves as the headquarters for the Discalced Carmelite Fathers of Flanders. It was originally built as a palace for a count in the 11th century, and it was donated to the Benedictine Order of St. Benedict in the 13th century. Throughout the years, the abbey has been reconstructed multiple times and has been used for a variety of purposes. Today the Abbey is a popular place to visit and remains a leading example of Gothic architecture. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. Towers: St. Bavo's Abbey is known for its two tall towers which are visible from all over Ghent. 2. Gothic Architecture: The abbey showcases a variety of architectural styles from the Gothic to the Renaissance. It is considered one of the best examples of Gothic ecclesiastical architecture in Belgium. 3. Frescoes: The abbey is decorated with a beautiful array of colorful frescoes and other decorations. 4. Altarpiece: St. Bavo's Abbey contains a stunning Renaissance altarpiece painted by the Flemish Renaissance master, Jan van Eyck. 5. Crypt: The abbey houses a crypt which contains the remains of famous figures from the Belgian aristocracy. 6. Organ: The abbey also boasts an impressive mechanical organ, dating back to the 17th century. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

St. Bavo's Abbey is a former abbey in the city of Ghent in Belgium that was an important institution in the region for nearly 600 years. The building first served as a Benedictine monastery in the 11th century, and was later converted into a cathedral in 1559. The abbey was a major center of learning and had a significant economic impact on the city. The abbey was also well known for its architectural achievements, which included the construction of a Romanesque style church and a large cloister. The abbey was founded in 1086 by Count. Lambert of Lens, who was a major landowner in Ghent. Initially, the abbey was home to solitary monks who lived and studied within its walls. Over time, the abbey grew in size and prestige and a community of monks developed. In 1141, the abbey was officially recognized by Pope Innocent II. Throughout the Middle Ages, the abbey played an integral role in the religious and economic life of Ghent. It owned and controlled a portion of the city’s land. The abbey also owned a large amount of farmland and other property, and its revenues helped to support its activities. The abbey’s influence was even felt in political matters, as it often transferred lands as gifts to influential families or used its revenue to influence the city’s election of public officials. The abbey reached its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries. At this time, the abbey’s library contained some of the most important manuscripts of the period, and its scriptorium produced important works of art. The abbey also built a large church, the St. Bavo Cathedral. Despite the abbey’s power and influence, it fell into decline in the 17th century due to the rise of Protestantism in the region. In 1794 the abbey was secularised by the French Revolutionary Army. The abbey's land and possessions were seized by the government and sold to individuals, and the abbey’s monks were expelled. The abbey was then used first as a barracks and later as an artillery storage depot. In the mid-19th century the building was restored to its former glory, and in 1878 it was designated a national historical monument. Today, the abbey is a popular tourist destination and is the principal Roman Catholic church of Ghent. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Bavo's Abbey was founded as a Benedictine monastery in the late 10th century. 2. The abbey was built on an artificial island, and was surrounded by a wall, moat and several defensive towers. 3. By the late 15th century, St. Bavo's Abbey had become the largest, richest and most influential abbey of the Low Countries. 4. The abbey complex earned the distinction of being named the "most beautiful court in the world" by Emperor Charles the Bold in 1467. 5. The main buildings of St. Bavo's Abbey (church and monastery) were designed in the Late Gothic style. 6. The abbey church features a rich collection of artworks, such as the six painted panels depicting the Life of St. Bavo, designed by Dirk Bouts in the 15th century. 7. The abbey complex also housed the Ghent Altarpiece (a large, 15th-century Flemish art masterpiece, now situated in the nearby St. Bavo's Cathedral). 8. The most recent renovations of St. Bavo's Abbey were completed in the late 19th century. 9. The abbey complex is now open to the public as a tourist attraction. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era